Common Book Program
TCC's Common Book Program builds connection and critical thinking through shared reading and academic integration.
The TCC Common Book Program serves as a shared learning opportunity for thousands of students at the College, particularly those who are new to college life. It's an integral part of the College Success COLL 1003 curriculum and aims to initiate conversations and interactions from various perspectives, fostering the growth of informed and active citizens.
Our 2026-28 Common Book: The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green
"In a fast‑paced, need‑it‑now world, John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed encourages us to slow down and take a thoughtful look at everyday moments and items that may hold more meaning than we realize. The book reminds us that simple things and shared experiences can create powerful connections to one another." — Angela Sivadon, Ph.D., TCC Senior VP & Chief Academic Officer
Book, Resources, News and Events: Visit the Library Guides for print and electronic copies, information about the author, book resources, news, and events.
Past Books & FAQs
| Title | Author | Academic Years |
|---|---|---|
| I Never Thought of It That Way | Monica Guzman | 2024–2026 |
| Braiding Sweetgrass | Robin Wall Kimmerer | 2022–2024 |
| Tulsa 1921: Reporting a Massacre | Randy Krehbiel | 2020–2022 |
| Redeployment | Phil Klay | 2019–2020 |
- Deepen critical thinking capacities through common book-related high-impact practices
- Provide a sustained, rich academic experience
- Foster a sense of connection to the institution and to one another
- Improve understanding of civic responsibilities
- Strengthen empathetic capacities
- Raise awareness of the humanities' civic importance
A common book program provides a shared foundation for students to engage with ideas and perspectives that can be very different from their own, leading to intellectual conversation and personal growth. — TCC President and CEO Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D.
Book nominations and the final selection are part of a College-wide process. A committee of TCC faculty, staff and students review numerous books in an effort to select one that is relevant, combines the College’s mission with community efforts, supports the goals of the Common Book Program, and which has broad applicability across disciplines.
Our common book program is embedded into the College Success course curriculum for first-time entering college students including all Tulsa Achieves students.
The Common Book Program is integrated into other courses across different disciplines that may vary semester to semester but have included:
- Composition
- History
- Humanities
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Reading
- Sociology
The program also extends beyond the classroom with a series of events open to the public for discussion and learning.
Launched in Fall 2019 in response to a $81,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the TCC Common Book Program contributes to classroom curriculum and co-curricular programming for all.
Our 2026-28 Common Book
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
In a fast‑paced, need‑it‑now world, John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed encourages us to slow down and take a thoughtful look at everyday moments and items that may hold more meaning than we realize. The book reminds us that simple things and shared experiences can create powerful connections to one another. — Angela Sivadon, Ph.D., TCC Senior VP & Chief Academic Officer